2014 Mazda CX-5

NEW FOR 2014:

- New colours

Despite a successful first year on the market, Mazda has given its popular CX-5 compact crossover several upgrades for model year 2014.

Perhaps the biggest criticism against the sharp handling little ‘ute is its powertrain. While the CX-5’s SkyActiv 2.0-litre delivers excellent fuel economy, many buyers desire more pep. Mazda has solved this by dropping in the larger 2.5-litre SkyActiv four-cylinder from the Mazda6 into the mid and top-level GS and GT trims as standard equipment. Mazda also took the opportunity to tweak the suspension setup of the CX-5, and add a new straight-gate shifter for the automatic.

New to the CX-5 and the rest of the Mazda line is Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), which joins blind-spot monitoring as a part of the CX-5’s suite of active safety systems. SCBS provides fully automatic braking between speeds of 5-30 km/h to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash.

The CX-5 is available in three trims, GX, GS, and GT.

GX models continue to be powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injected four cylinder that makes 155-hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. It can be had with front-wheel drive, paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, or, with all-wheel drive where it is paired solely to the automatic.

GS and GT trims come with the aforementioned new 2.5-litre direct-injected four cylinder with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. While the larger engine can be had with front- or all-wheel drive, only a six-speed automatic is offered.

The base GX comes standard with keyless entry, heated power side-view mirrors with indicator lamps, auto-off headlamps, rear spoiler, body-coloured door handles, tilt and telescoping steering column, air conditioning, cruise control, four-speaker AM/FM/CD player with USB port, push-button start, and 60/40 split folding rear seats.

The Convenience Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, Bluetooth, 5.8-inch infotainment screen, and HD radio.

GX AWD models include the Convenience Package and six-speed automatic as standard equipment.

The GS builds on the GX Convenience Package and adds a power sunroof, blind-spot monitoring system, foglights, six-speaker stereo system, rain-sensing wipers, reverse camera, upgraded cloth upholstery, heated seats, six-way power driver’s seat, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, and rear-seat arm rest. AWD is available as an option.

Opting for the range-topping GT adds standard all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, proximity key, nine-speaker Bose stereo system, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake, eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The Technology Package adds navigation, adaptive HID headlights, satellite radio, and pre-collision braking system.